Bienvenue à Genève! Sitting on the western shore of Lake Leman, Geneva is home to the UN, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, and the world’s tallest fountain Jet d’Eau. Take time to explore the traditional old town, wander through the many museums and art galleries and indulge in some fondue or fish freshly caught from the lake.

Starting out, you will walk through the suburbs of Geneva before hitting the countryside and crossing the border from Switzerland into France. Continue through the Rhone-Alpes region and into the village of Beaumont before reaching your stop for the night at the sleepy village of Col du Mont Sion.

The walk today will be over the gently rolling countryside typical of the Rhone-Alpes region. Weaving past lush green fields and densely packed forests, the walk today is pleasant before a gentle ascent up to the picturesque hilltop village of Chaumont for a night’s rest.

Today you will continue towards the Rhone River. You will be walking over rolling green hills interspersed with quaint Alpine villages such as Desingy. Just beyond this placid section of the trail is Rhone Seyssel. Take a break in this bustling town before your last stretch of the day to Motz.

At this stage the Rhone is now a wide river that flows beside you along crop fields and the occasional forest track. Arriving into the small village of Chanaz, you are now in the Savoie Department. This lively little village is nicknamed Little Venice for its waterways. You can soak up the relaxed atmosphere and perhaps enjoy an evening meal on the water’s edge.

Another pleasant day of your walking holiday awaits you along the left of the Rhone River. There are some mild climbs from the river to rolling farmland and small forested patches. Today you will start to see vineyards on the surrounding fields, as well as passing through some small villages. You will walk back down to the Rhone again as you come into Yenne.

Today you will leave the valley as you climb up the forested Mont Tournier. The majority of today will be on this ridge, along forest paths. You will know you are getting close to your destination for the night when you start to gently wind down through mountain villages to St Genix sur Guiers. Delve into locally produced wines and cheese and celebrate finishing this section of the Geneva Way pilgrimage.

Starting out from St Genix Sur Guiers you will cross the Le Guiers and then follow the river for a while. You are now in the Department Isere having left the Department Savoie behind in St Genix Sur Guiers. Before you finish walking for the day, you will pass through the small town of Les Abrets. This area was given to the ‘Poor Knights of Christ’ back in the early 12th Century, who became better known as the hugely powerful order of the Knights Templars.

Leaving Saint Ondras, you will follow a rural route through the French countryside. Your destination for the night, Cote Saint Andre, was the home of famed French Romantic composer and conductor. You can learn about him in the compact Musée Hector-Berlioz.

Although long, your walk today will be pleasant, passing by several small lakes. This section is relatively flat but there are a few shallow climbs that help keep the walk interesting. Before reaching Bellegarde Poussieu you will pass by the former parish church of Bellegarde and a protected natural area full of local fauna and flora.

Today is the day that you will cross the Rhone River into the Loire Department of the Rhone-Alpes region. As you approach the river, you will notice that the landscape becomes more built up. Crossing the Rhone, ahead lies your stop for the night and the final night of this section – Chavanay. Reward yourself for making it this far with a glass of one of the local wines of the region.

Today is a beautiful walk that will introduce you to the mountain ranges of Pilat. The day will take you through the vineyards of the region before you start your gentle ascent up the mountains. You will pass the Croix de Sainte-Blandine before descending to the village of St Julien Molin Molette. Climbing out of this village you will cross the Col du Banchet before descending to Bourg Argental. Be sure to visit the Saint André Church here.

The walk today is shorter but heads gently uphill. Initially leaving Bourg Argental you will follow a disused railway track. Climbing steadily past fields and through woodlands, some steeper climbs will come as you approach your stopover for the day at Les Setoux, a quiet little village filled with old stone houses.

A welcome reprieve from the path ascended yesterday, this undulating stage is much easier. Walking over fields, on forest paths, and down quiet country roads, you will amble your way to Montfaucon en Velay. This quiet, picturesque village makes for a pleasant place to stop for the night. Take the opportunity to visit the Notre-Dame Church where there are 12 famous paintings by Abel Grimmer representing the life of Christ.

Another pleasant day of walking waits along the rolling hills of Velay. Arriving at Tence, you will cross the Le Lignon brook on an old stone bridge. Then, slowly ascend to St Jeures, passing the graveyard before arriving into the town. Here you can sample the famous ‘Red Pearls of the Monts du Velay’ (red berries) as well as other local gastronomic delights.

Today’s route is more populated with small towns and villages than other sections of the Geneva Way. The walk to Araules is typical of the last few days, but after this you have a climb up to Raffe across fields and woodlands. The reward for this ascent is a panoramic view of the volcanic-shaped landscape before you. Your final stop for today is St Julien Chapteuil. Here, be sure to visit the church of Saint Julien which will provide you with an elevated view over the surrounding countryside.

Today is your final day on the Geneva Way. With some gentle ups and downs, the walk today is predominantly descends into Le Puy en Velay via country tracks. Traverse woodlands and quiet country roads before coming into a more built-up area at Brives-Charensac. The rest of your route to Le Puy will be more built up. To complete your trip, be sure to make your way up to the cathedral atop a volcanic hill. Take time to wander around this historical and picturesque town, and sample the local gastronomy.

Au Revoir! Congratulations on having completed the Geneva Way! Le Puy en Velay has always been an important sanctuary city as it is home to the mysterious Black Virgin, which has drawn pilgrims from all over Europe since the Middle Ages. But the appeal of Le Puy en Velay goes beyond historical and cultural – the city is also worth a visit for its picturesque location.